Despite Samsung making some of the best and most reliable washers on the market, from time to time, they can run into problems. When your washer has an issue, it will display an error code on the front control panel to give you some information about what’s wrong with your machine.
One of the most common errors users have reported running into is the SC error code, which means the drain cycle is taking too long.
You’re no doubt keen to fix this error, so in this article, I will explain in detail what triggers this error and give you all the methods you need to rectify it and restore your washer back to working order.
Causes of a Samsung Washer SC Code
The SC code is very similar to other errors that can crop up, including Nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC, and 1 5C. All of these error codes indicate a drainage problem, but the primary delineation between those errors and the SC code is that this code is triggered by the drainage cycle taking too long.
Let’s first take a look at the leading causes of this problem so you can better diagnose what’s happening with your machine.
1. The Pump Filter is Clogged Up
The pump filter is designed to filter out unwanted objects, such as lint, before they can make it into the pump and cause damage to the impeller. Ideally, this pump should be cleaned out roughly every month, depending on use frequency.
Still, if it gets neglected for a prolonged period, it may become partially or fully blocked, which will cause the water to drain away slowly. To fix this issue, the filter will need to be thoroughly cleaned.
2. The Drain Hose is Frozen
Although washers generally do a good job of siphoning off all the water after the drain cycle has completed, there is always a little bit that remains in the low spots of the drain hose.
As some people like to keep their Samsung washer out on the porch or garage so the noise doesn’t disturb them; in cold climates during the winter, if the temperature is low enough, this drain hose can freeze.
Once the hose is frozen, the water won’t be able to drain away, so you’ll need to carefully defrost the hose and consider insulating it.
3. The Drain Hose is Kinked or Pinched
Another common problem that occurs is when the washer is pushed into place, the hose becomes kinked or pinched, dramatically reducing the amount of water that can drain away.
You’ll need to inspect the hose to see if the pinch causes any damage and arrange it so the water can exit freely.
4. The Drain Hose is Clogged
Low spots in the drain pipe can sometimes collect bits of lint, soap deposits from low-quality detergents may build up, or mineral deposits from hard water may accumulate and eventually block the drain hose.
The hose will need to be disconnected and unclogged/cleaned using a cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar.
5. The Drain Pump is Faulty
The method in which a washer disposes of the dirty water is by using a drain pump to spin an impeller which siphons off the water. The drain pump may be experiencing a mechanical fault, the impeller may be damaged, or a piece of clothing or other foreign objects may have gotten stuck there.
Whatever the reason, the drain pump will need to be carefully inspected, and if it’s found to be faulty, it will have to be replaced.
6. A Bug or Glitch in the System
Like most modern washers, Samsung uses a lot of computer-assisted systems to control the wash cycle settings. As with any appliance that relies on computer assistance, it can be liable to run into bugs or glitches with no real cause behind them.
The good news is these can often be solved easily by performing a hard reset of the washer.
7. The Control Board is Faulty
The control board sends the electrical signals from the control panel to the various components in the washer, essentially acting as the brain of the appliance.
When the control board experiences a fault, diagnosing and rectifying it can be very hard, so usually, the entire board will just be replaced.
How to Fix Samsung Washer SC Code?
As you can see, most of the time, this problem is caused by an issue with the drain hose, such as it being blocked or frozen. Let’s look at how to fix these components so the water can properly drain away.
1. Unclog the Pump Filter
If the pump filter gets clogged up, the water won’t be able to drain, so we’ll need to go in manually and clean the filter out:
- Locate the drain pump filter cover in the bottom right of the washer and open it.
- Keep a pan or dish handy; we’ll need to drain the emergency drain pipe.
- Remove the hose and let the water drain into the pan until it stops.
- You can now re-install the emergency drain pump hose.
- Remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it out.
- Clean the area around where the filter inserts with a clean cloth.
- Clean the filter using warm soapy water and a sponge or soft toothbrush.
- Once the filter’s clean, re-install it in the washer and close the pump filter access panel.
2. Unfreeze the Drain Hose
If your washing machine is placed in an unheated area prone to getting cold, it may have frozen over, and you’ll need to defrost it manually.
Locate the hose near the bottom of the washing machine, take something like a hair dryer, and slowly heat the drainage hose, making sure to keep the hairdryer constantly moving as we don’t want the hose to get too hot and melt.
Another option is to dip a towel into boiling water and wrap it around the hose.
3. Unkink the drain hose
First, pull the washer out from the wall and carefully inspect it. If you notice any damage, such as cracks or splits, this poses a leaking risk, and you should just replace the entire hose.
If it looks in good condition, straighten the hose out so the water has a clear drainage path. Carefully push the washing machine back into place, being mindful not to re-introduce new kinks into the hose as you do so.
4. Unclog the Drain Hose
If the drain hose is clogged, it will have to be cleaned out by hand.
- Turn the power source to the washing machine off and disconnect the drain hose; you may need a pair of pliers.
- Unblock the drain hose; if you have a drain snake, it can be very helpful, but a common way of cleaning it is by making a cleaning solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar.
- Pour this cleaning solution down the drain and wait for 10-15 minutes so it has time to break down the soap/mineral deposits that have accumulated.
- Rinse the drain hose with clean water and re-install it in the washer.
5. The Drain Pump is Faulty
If the SC code still persists, a blockage may not be the issue, and the pump itself may have failed. So we’ll first need to inspect it.
- Disconnect the washer from the power and remove the rear access panel.
- Disconnect the drain pump wire connector and release the clamps that secure the hose to it.
- Remove the access panel screws; the drain pump should now be accessible.
Carefully inspect the pump for obvious obstructions or damage; if none can be located, it may have failed electronically. Either way, the drain pump will need to be replaced.
Here we recommend contacting Samsung customer support, who will arrange for a trained technician to come and install a new drain pump for you.
6. Power Cycle the Washer
Sometimes these error codes result from a simple bug or glitch in the system with no real underlying cause. To perform a hard reset, you just need to turn the washer off and unplug it from the wall outlet or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
Wait 2-3 minutes for the capacitors to discharge all residual energy. Plug the washer back in and check the washer error code has gone.
7. Replace the Control Board
When a control module develops a fault, diagnosing and repairing it yourself can be challenging. So the easier option is just to replace the entire board with a new one.
The best way to do this is by contacting Samsung customer support, who will assist you with both sourcing a new control board and having a technician with factory training install it for you.
Preventing the Samsung Washer SC Code Error
Once this washer error code has been fixed, you can follow a few different processes to dramatically reduce your chances of this error code returning in the future.
Most of the time, this problem is caused by a blockage or buildup that accumulates around the drain filter, pump, or drain hose. Ensure you thoroughly clean the washer every month to keep it in tip-top shape.
While this might seem like a lot of work, it’s very easy and fast to do. All you need to do is remove the drain filter and clean it by hand. Then re-install it and run an empty wash cycle on the hottest and longest cycle setting available, which will help flush the machine through.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
